Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.

being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness, joyfully

He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves,

Having been buried with him in baptism, you also have been raised with him through your faith in the power of God who raised him from the dead.

for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him – all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers – all things were created through him and for him.

Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

and you have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

since we heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints.

If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit to them as though you lived in the world?

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry.

For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

that has come to you. Just as in the entire world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, so it has also been bearing fruit and growing among you from the first day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.